Ezra’s scream pierced the air, only to be silenced abruptly by Dustin’s unyielding steel grip. He squeezed Ezra’s throat, forcing the scream back down. Ezra’s face turned crimson as he flailed helplessly.
The terror of imminent death filled Ezra, who managed to croak, “Let go… please …”
Dustin dryly remarked, “Fighting with a knife because your fists aren’t enough, huh? Aren’t you ashamed?’
His fingers tightened, making Ezra’s eyes roll back. “Stop hurting him!” Suddenly, a scream cut through the tension between them.
It was followed by a loud crash as a bottle struck the back of Dustin’s head. Glass fragments erupted into the air like fireworks, and the scent of spilled alcohol flooded the room.
Dustin scowled, turning to face Eleanor. She stood there, still holding the shattered bottle. Fear and guilt painted on her face.
After a moment, Eleanor realized what she had done. She tossed the remaining bottle fragment aside and tried to explain herself. “Dustin, I’m sorry! It was an accident. “I was just trying to stop you from hurting Ezra, and things got out of control!
“Ezra is from the prominent Swanson family. I was worried you’d get into trouble! You don’t know them like I do, and I was just trying to protect you!”
But her gaze darted around, and her attempts at clarification only looked suspicious. Dustin hastily wiped away the alcohol stain from his head, his furrowed brows, looking bewildered.
Eleanor’s ambush had taken him completely by surprise, a blindside assault directed at the back of his head. Had he been an average person, he’d likely be sprawled on the ground by now.
At that moment, Dustin realized that Eleanor placed Ezra above him in her priorities to the extent that she would willingly sacrifice him to save Ezra.
With these thoughts, Dustin shook his head in disappointment. He had considered Eleanor a friend, offered his help many times, and even shielded her from trouble.
And what did he receive in return? An unexpected bottle to the head. Now, he understood that Eleanor didn’t hold him in the same high regard as she did with Ezra.
Slowly, Dustin loosened his grip, and Ezra slumped to the ground Ezra coughed and gasped for air. His hand clutched his throat, struggling to catch his breath.
“Are you okay, Ezra?” Eleanor asked, concern evident as she rushed to check on him. Her actions revealed that her feelings for Ezra weren’t rooted in hatred.
It was jealousy that had clouded her judgment. She was genuinely worried about Ezra getting hurt.
Despite his coughing, Ezra managed a smile. “I’m fine. These are just minor injuries. As long as you can forgive me, I’d risk my life, and it wouldn’t matter.”
What a perfect opportunity to play the victim, and he wasn’t about to miss it.
“You’re such a fool!” Eleanor exclaimed, her eyes filled with a mix of joy and gratitude. Ezra had seemingly turned over a new leaf, willing to fight for her, even at the risk of his life. Such sincere emotions were indeed a rare find.
She decided to forgive him, understanding that everyone would make mistakes.
Dustin chuckled softly, an ironic twist to the whole situation. “So, after all that, it turns out the clown was none other than myself?” he mused.
In the end, despite the chaotic events that unfolded, Eleanor and Ezra found a way to reconcile. However, Dustin, who had extended his helping hand, ironically was cast as the sacrificial lamb and the unexpected antagonist in their story.
